Fishing is a time consuming and often expensive activity. While fishing is still a favorite pastime for many, it can be disappointing to spend a whole day out on the water and come home without catching anything. Everyone who goes fishing hopes for a successful fishing trip with lots of big catches.
If you’re struggling to catch fish, you may be making a simple mistake that is holding you back. There are many common fishing mistakes that anglers can make, and learning about them can help you improve your technique in the future. Check out these common fishing mistakes that may be costing you a great catch.
Using the Wrong Rod and Reel
Your fishing gear can make or break your fishing trip. If you’re using the wrong rod, reel, or combination of the two, you may be hurting your chances of catching fish.
Different styles of rods and reels are better for different styles of fishing. If you’re fly fishing, you should invest in a good fly rod and reel. Surf fishing rods and reels come in two options: baitcaster or spinning rods and reels. More experienced anglers often opt for baitcasters, while beginners or those with less experience casting often choose spinners.
There are also different specifications for freshwater vs. saltwater fishing, and choosing the wrong rod and reel could result in them getting damaged more easily. Rods and reels also come in different sizes and strengths; all of these factors should be considered.
You should thoroughly research the right rod and reel for your type of fishing before you get out on the water to improve your chances of making a great catch.
Keeping Old, Worn Out Equipment
While your rod and reel should always be in good working order, other pieces of equipment are often overlooking. If you’re using the same old equipment that you always have and you’re having trouble catching fish, it may be time for an update. Two commonly overused pieces of gear are hooks and fishing line.
Using old hooks will hurt your chances of success on the water. Many anglers neglect their hooks, using the same ones over and over again for far too long. While a hook can be used multiple times, being constantly thrown in the water and bitten will wear down the hook. Dull hooks will make it easy for fish to steal your bait or lures and escape – replace or sharpen dull lures to catch more fish.
Worn out fishing line is another common mistake. The line can be used more than once, but if it is weak or tattered then you should replace it. If you catch something and your line is weak or has abrasions, it may break – costing you the fish and the tackle attached to the end of the line.
Showing Up Unprepared
A successful fishing trip requires some significant preparation. It’s vital that you do the proper research beforehand to ensure that you are totally prepared for your fishing expedition. There are various factors you need to consider before getting out onto the water.
Weather is one important element to consider. It can make or break your fishing trip. Keep track of the weather leading up to your trip and prepare for changes the day of. Some weather conditions for fishing may be less appealing, although fishing on rainy days can be successful depending on your location and the fish you want to catch.
You should also look into what fish are present at the location where you’re fishing. Pack the right gear and the best lures and bait to catch those specific fish to improve your chances of a catch.
Consider the gear you’ll need and the fishing conditions you’ll face to ensure that you are as prepared as possible before you leave for your fishing trip.
Fishing Line Mistakes That Let Fish Escape
Fishing line is not always the most considered piece of gear, but it can significantly affect your ability to catch fish. There are various fishing line-related mistakes, including the worn out line that we mentioned earlier.
Poorly tied knots in your line will hurt your ability to catch and reel in fish. Practice your knot tying skills or buy a knot tying tool to improve your knots. Weak or poorly tied knots will break while casting, which is dangerous, or in the water when the fish bites, which will result in lost equipment and a lost catch.
Slacklining also hurts your ability to catch fish. If your line is too slack, the fish have more opportunity to escape (likely with your bait or lure). A slackline will also make it harder to tell if a fish is nibbling and about to bite, so you could completely miss the fact that you almost had a fish. Keep your line tight to prevent these problems.
Learn From Your Fishing Mistakes
Whether you’re new to fishing or an old pro, everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is that you learn from these mistakes and still enjoy your time fishing! Stop making these common mistakes to maximize your success while fishing.
